County Land Use director retiring

1/10/2018, 10:30 a.m.

Curt Paddock, Will County Land Use Department director
Submitted photo

Curt Paddock announced that he will retire at the end of January, capping a 12-year career as the director of the Will County Land Use Department.

County Executive Larry Walsh in a statement praised Paddock’s guidance over the department which has embraced “new technology and best practices for land use management and has helped keep our county moving forward.”

During his tenure, Paddock has overseen several new initiatives including the implementation of the www.willcountygreen.com website which outlines efficient, environmentally-safe tips for residents and business owners to adopt green practices.

Paddock also oversaw the department which received more than $12 million in new grants for neighborhood facilities, housing rehabilitation, and energy conservation efforts.

Just recently, the department achieved Gold Status as a solar-leading community by the International City/County Management Association for their work driving down the cost and regulatory obstacles of home and business to deploy solar energy solutions.

Paddock said that he’s been planning for his retirement for a couple of years now and that he and his wife plan to stay in Will County where the couple have a home in Plainfield.

“I’ve been planning this for quite some time,” he said.

He said he expects to volunteer more with his church, St Edward & Christ Episcopal in Joliet, and may return to teach some classes as an adjunct professor. He also said he plans to get back in shape with a more regular exercise routine.

Prior to joining Will County, Paddock worked in county planning and economic development throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area. He also owned a firm that provided community and economic development consulting services to public jurisdictions, non-profit organizations, and private sector business.